Ronnie E. Thomas, Janesville, WI (1940 - 2014)

Ronnie E. Thomas, age 73, a longtime Janesville resident, passed away Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, at Mercy Hospital & Trauma Center. He was born May 14, 1940, in the Town of Stark, Vernon County, WI, the son of the late Earl and Elva (Smith) Thomas. Ronnie attended grade school in Ontario, WI, then attended Sandhill, which was a one-room school, and ultimately graduated from Ontario High School, Class of 1958. He married the former Goldie Winchell in 1958, and they had three children together. Following his divorce from Goldie, he married the former Delores L. JaDoul on March 12, 1966. She preceded him in death on Feb. 1, 2012.

Ronnie worked for over 34 years at General Motors Corp., retiring in May, 1992. He then became a "full-time" volunteer! With his wife, they chose to be involved with SHARE, the Special Olympics, were bell ringers for the Salvation Army, delivered Meals On Wheels, and also worked with the Rock County Council On Aging. They also were very actively involved with LaborFest, the National Mutual Benefit group, and also enjoyed being Mrs. & Santa Claus, and also serving as Easter Bunnies! Ronnie and Delores won many awards for their various activities, and were given the honor of being placed on the Rock County Wall of Honor for their years of dedication. He was a longtime active member of the U.A.W. Local 95, was a Guide and also Vice Chair of the Local 95 Retirees, and ultimately the Chairperson starting in July, 2012.

Ronnie is survived by his three children: Patti Jo (Jeff) Vincer of Pecatonica, IL, Ronnie Dale Thomas of Whitewater, WI, and Scott Evan (Janet Williams) Thomas of Janesville; his two granddaughters and his great-grandson: Cassie (Andy) Bauling and Brianne (Jarret) Bauling and her son, River, all of Pecatonica, IL; his three sisters: Beth (Jerald) Cary, Kay (Roger) Sullivan, and Elaine (Meryle) Mueske; his brother, Terry (Kim) Thomas; his very special friend, Annie Prochazka of Janesville; and by nieces, nephews, and many friends. Besides his beloved wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Dale Thomas; and his twin sister, Connie Thomas.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, at the WHITCOMB-LYNCH FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, with Sue Priebe officiating. Burial will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday, Jan. 17, 2014, from 4 until 7 p.m., or on Saturday from 12 until 1 p.m. at the FUNERAL HOME.